Efficiency key to tyre R&D

Speaking during Continental Tyres’ ContiPortTalk event ahead of TOC Europe in June, Martin Welzhofer, head of R&D at the company, told GreenPort that operating hours are important, but expectations and requirements may adapt as more ports are converting their operations to run with electric machinery

Rolling resistance is a key research area currently and this is about prioritising performance. “You don’t want to go too far towards rolling resistance because then you might lose mileage. We are balancing our tyres between optimum mileage and energy use. So, to a large extent it is to do with the chemistry,” said Mr Welzhofer.

“If you have the right tyre pressure, the tyres are working at their optimum and taking the lowest energy they can,” he added.

Reflecting on the challenges for ports, the company said there are a variety of tyre manufacturers which are moving into the segment and ports may find it difficult to see which developments are bringing the biggest benefit to them.

“The main question is what will make their operations more efficient, that’s the biggest challenge,” said Mr Welzhofer.